They strolled on again, and Liza, leaving Sally, made her way to her mother's. She knew she must pass Jim's house, and wondered whether she would see him. But as she walked along the street she saw Tom coming the opposite way; with a sudden impulse she turned back so as not to meet him, and began walking the way she had come. Then thinking herself a fool for what she had done, she turned again and walked towards him. She wondered if she had seen her or noticed her movement, but when she looked down the street he was nowhere to be seen; he had not caught sight of her, and had evidently gone in to see a mate in one or other of the houses. She quickened her step, and passing the house where lived Jim, could not help looking up; he was standing at the door watching her, with a smile on his lips. 'I didn't see yer, Mr. Blakeston,' she said, as he came up to her. 'Didn't yer? Well, I knew yer would; an' I was witin' for yer ter look up. I see yer before ter-day.' 'Na, when?' 'I passed be'ind yer as you an' thet other girl was lookin' at the advertisement of thet ply.' 'I never see yer.' 'Na, I know yer didn't. I 'ear yer say, you says: "I should like to see thet."' 'Yus, an' I should too.' 'Well, I'll tike yer.' 'You?' 'Yus; why not?' 'I like thet; wot would yer missus sy?' 'She wouldn't know.' 'But the neighbours would!' 'No they wouldn't, no one 'd see us.' He was speaking in a low voice so that people could not hear. 'You could meet me ahtside the theatre,' he went on. 'Na, I couldn't go with you; you're a married man.' 'Garn! wot's the matter--jest ter go ter the ply? An' besides, my missus can't come if she wanted, she's got the kids ter look after.' 'I should like ter see it,' said Liza meditatively. They had reached her house, and Jim said: 'Well, come aht this evenin' and tell me if yer will--eh, Liza?' 'Na, I'm not comin' aht this evening.' 'Thet won't 'urt yer. I shall wite for yer.' ''Tain't a bit of good your witing', 'cause I shan't come.' 'Well, then, look 'ere, Liza; next Saturday night's the last night, an' I shall go to the theatre, any'ow. An' if you'll come, you just come to the door at 'alf-past six, an' you'll find me there. See?' 'Na, I don't,' said Liza, firmly. 'Well, I shall expect yer.' 'I shan't come, so you needn't expect.' And with that she walked into the house and slammed the door behind her. Her mother had not come in from her day's charing, and Liza set about getting her tea. She thought it would be rather lonely eating it alone, so pouring out a cup of tea and putting a little condensed milk into it, she cut a huge piece of bread-and-butter, and sat herself down outside on the doorstep. Another woman came downstairs, and seeing Liza, sat down by her side and began to talk. 'Why, Mrs. Stanley, wot 'ave yer done to your 'ead?' asked Liza, noticing a bandage round her forehead. 'I 'ad an accident last night,' answered the woman, blushing uneasily.